Release date: June 15, 2007
Volunteer Impact Awards Gala
Volunteer Action Centre honours extraordinary individuals,
organizations and businesses at the Volunteer Impact
Awards Gala.
Kitchener – The Volunteer Impact Awards Gala held at Centre for International
Governance and Innovation last night recognized extraordinary individuals and
businesses for their spectacular contributions to our region. More than 160
people were on hand to applaud the efforts of marvelous and generous
volunteers in our community. Among the guests were Ken Seiling (Regional
Chair) Elizabeth Witmer (MPP), and John Milloy (MPP)
Nominations in the seven award categories were reviewed based on the
impressiveness of the volunteer contribution, the inspirational nature of the
nominee and the investment in our community. Nominees, finalists and award
recipients in each of the award categories are exceptional role models in our
community. One of the panelists commented “It was a privilege to be part of the
selection panel. I was impressed by the quality of all the nominees and inspired
to do more for the charities I personally volunteer in. These volunteers really
set the bar high for the rest of us, and the community is enormously enriched
because of their efforts!”
Awards recipients honoured for the investment of time and talent, expression of
innovation and their invaluable contribution to our community included:
Innovative Volunteer Involvement
Laurier Centre for Service Learning - The Centre has placed over 600
students with 60 community organizations, allowing students to learn and
experience how giving service impacts their community. The goal is to instill life
long community involvement while allowing the community to utilize students as
a resource.
Volunteer Manager/Coordinator of the Year
Bonnie Caza - In just 4 years, Bonnie, employee of Our Place Family Resource
Centre has taken a rudimentary program with few policies and guidelines and
has recreated a volunteer culture of connection. According to her peers, the key
to Bonnie's success is her welcoming, personable and energetic nature.
New Canadian
Hye -Shil Sohn and Young Sohn - Hye-Shil and Young became involved in the
Pins and Patches Group and Senior Day Program through the City of Kitchener
within months of their arrival to the Waterloo Region. Hye-Shil shares her talents
with a needle and thread while Young’s quiet and friendly nature has been a
blessing for the program participants.
Helping Hands
Flora Cross - Flora is an exemplary caregiver filling a challenging volunteer role
as client support volunteer for Hospice of Waterloo Region. Touching lives in a
profound way through thoughtful active listening and emotional support, this
grandmother of 12, shares her compassion with clients, their families and a
Bereavement Walking Group.
Corporate Community Partner
Cowan/Frank Cowan Foundation - Dressing as presents while volunteering
for the CHYM Tree of Hope is one example of Cowan’s community spirit. Several
local organizations have benefited from their generous spirit including; Family
and Children’s services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, KCI Music Department and
Leadership Waterloo Region.
Leadership
Tim Jackson - Tim has successfully used his circle of influence to strengthen
connections between charitable organizations, education institutions and local
business leaders. Benefactors of Tim’s boundless energy include; the Food Bank,
Waterloo Public Library, Waterloo Regional Children’s Museum, Communitech,
the University of Waterloo and Waterloo Minor Soccer.
Vounteer Impact Award
Susan Bowey - Susan’s gentle compassion has touched so many. She has
coordinated the Nutrition for Learning Breakfast Program at Suddaby Public
School for 11 years and also serves at her church, Heart & Stroke Foundation,
the Canadian Cancer Society and Global Opportunities International.
The Volunteer Action Centre would like to thank all nominators and nominees
who have contributed so much to our community.
Special thanks to award sponsors Research In Motion and TD Canada Trust and
all those who made this event possible.
end – endMedia Contact:
Prachi Surti
519-742-8610
prachi@volunteerkw.ca
Sent June 13, 2007